The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Smoked Turkey Tails
Say goodbye to bland, uninspired side dishes and prepare to welcome a new household favorite: irresistibly flavorful slow cooker pinto beans. This incredible pinto beans recipe comes together effortlessly in your crockpot, allowing aromatic spices and succulent smoked turkey tails to mingle and infuse for hours. The result is a tender, nutrient-packed side dish that boasts a depth of flavor typically found in slow-cooked, cherished family recipes – all with minimal effort on your part, making it virtually hands-free.
Why This Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Recipe Works Wonders
These hearty and exceptionally tender slow cooker pinto beans are a testament to the magic of low and slow cooking. By allowing the ingredients to gently simmer over several hours, the flavors meld and deepen, transforming simple pinto beans into a rich, savory experience. What truly elevates this dish is the masterful combination of liquid smoke, savory soy sauce, and a carefully selected blend of spices, all complemented by the incredible umami and smokiness from turkey tails. This thoughtful medley packs an unparalleled punch of flavor, making every spoonful a delight.
Beyond their amazing taste, pinto beans are incredibly versatile and nutritious, making them a pantry staple for any home cook. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, contributing to satiety and digestive health. Once cooked, these flavorful beans can be enjoyed in countless ways: stir them into a robust taco soup, use them as a hearty base for vibrant burrito bowls, stuff them into your favorite tacos, or mash them down into creamy, delicious refried beans. For a truly comforting meal, serve them as is, topped with crumbled cornbread or with cornbread on the side for dipping up every last drop of the rich, smoky liquid!
The slow cooker method also ensures even cooking without the need for constant monitoring, allowing the beans to reach a perfectly tender consistency without becoming mushy. This set-it-and-forget-it approach makes this recipe ideal for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Essential Ingredients You Will Need for Flavorful Pinto Beans
Crafting these succulent slow cooker pinto beans requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. You’ll find a full, printable recipe card with all exact measurements and detailed instructions at the very end of this comprehensive post. But first, let’s delve into what makes each component so crucial to the success of this dish.
Ingredient Insights and Smart Substitution Suggestions
Understanding each ingredient’s role allows for both perfect execution and creative substitutions if needed. Here’s a closer look:
MEAT (Smoked Turkey Tails) – The star of this slow cooker pinto beans recipe when it comes to flavor development! Smoked turkey tails are a fantastic choice for several reasons: they are generally quite inexpensive, small enough to fit well in a crockpot, already cured to enhance flavor, and — most importantly — they infuse a deep, rich, smoky essence throughout the entire dish as they slowly cook down. Tearing up the tender meat from the tails and stirring it back into the beans after cooking ensures that this wonderful smoke flavor is evenly distributed in every bite. If smoked turkey tails are not available or you’re looking for an alternative, you can absolutely substitute with other smoked meats. Excellent options include smoked ham hocks, smoked pork neck bones, or even bacon or smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille). For a similar smoky depth without the meat, consider adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a vegetarian option, alongside vegetable broth instead of water.
BEANS (Dried Pinto Beans) – For this specific slow cooker pinto beans recipe, there is absolutely no need to pre-soak your dried pinto beans. The low and slow cooking process in the crockpot provides ample time for the beans to fully hydrate and become perfectly tender. This convenience is one of the great advantages of using a slow cooker! While you can soak them if it’s your preference (some believe it aids digestibility or reduces overall cooking time in traditional methods), rest assured that for this recipe, it’s an entirely optional step that won’t significantly alter the outcome. If you wish to experiment with other bean varieties, navy beans or great northern beans would also work well, though cooking times might vary slightly.
SEASONINGS (Seasoned Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder) – These foundational spices build the aromatic base for our flavorful pinto beans. Seasoned salt (like Lawry’s) provides a balanced blend of salt, herbs, and other spices, while onion and garlic powder add essential savory notes. Dividing these seasonings and layering them with the beans and turkey tails helps ensure a more even distribution of flavor throughout the dish.
LIQUID SMOKE & SOY SAUCE – These two ingredients are critical for enhancing the overall umami and smoky profile. Liquid smoke imparts an intense smoky flavor without the need for actual smoking, while soy sauce adds a deep savory dimension and a touch of saltiness that complements the other seasonings beautifully. Together, they create a complex, irresistible broth for the beans.
WATER – The cooking liquid that transforms the dried beans into tender, succulent goodness. The amount is crucial; you want enough liquid to almost cover the turkey tails and beans, ensuring everything cooks evenly and absorbs the incredible flavors.
How to Make Irresistible Slow Cooker Pinto Beans
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this incredibly flavorful slow cooker pinto beans recipe. For a convenient, printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Chef Antoine’s Layering Secret: A personal tip from Chef Antoine for maximizing flavor is to layer the dried beans and seasonings in the crockpot. This method, he finds, ensures the flavors are distributed more thoroughly and deeply throughout the entire batch of pinto beans. While you can certainly add all the beans, then sprinkle all the seasonings, and finally top with the turkey tails if you prefer, the steps outlined below detail his preferred layering technique for the most robust flavor.
- First Layer of Beans: Begin by carefully placing approximately half of your uncooked dried pinto beans into the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread them out as evenly as possible.
- First Layer of Seasonings: Next, season this initial layer of beans. Sprinkle about half of the seasoned salt, half of the onion powder, and half of the garlic powder directly over the beans. This ensures flavor penetrates from the very start.
- Add Turkey Tails and More Seasoning: Carefully arrange the smoked turkey tails on top of the seasoned bean layer. Then, sprinkle a little more of each seasoning (seasoned salt, onion powder, and garlic powder) over both the turkey tails and the beans beneath them. Remember to reserve some for the final bean layer!
- Final Bean and Seasoning Layer: Add the remaining dried pinto beans to the crockpot, creating your top layer. Follow this by sprinkling on all the remaining seasoned salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. This layering technique truly infuses flavor throughout every component.
- Add Liquids: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the water, soy sauce, and liquid smoke. Stir them gently to combine. Carefully pour this liquid mixture over the layered turkey tails and beans in the crockpot. It’s important for the beans to be adequately submerged; you want the liquid to almost cover the turkey tails, reaching about three-quarters of the way up the meat. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly depending on the exact size of your crockpot and the quantity of ingredients.
- Cook Low and Slow: Securely cover your crockpot with its lid. Set the slow cooker to the “low” setting and allow the pinto beans to cook for a minimum of 6 hours. This long, gentle cooking time is essential for the beans to become incredibly tender and for the flavors to fully develop and meld.
- Adjust Liquid (Optional): Once the cooking time is complete, you might notice a layer of liquid on top of your beans. Depending on your personal preference for the amount of “sauce” or broth with your pinto beans, you may wish to skim some of this excess liquid off the top using a ladle.
- Shred the Turkey: Carefully remove the cooked turkey tails from the crockpot. Using two forks, gently shred the tender meat from the bones. Be mindful as you do this, as there will be a small tailbone within each piece of turkey tail that needs to be removed and discarded. Stir the shredded, flavorful turkey meat back into the slow cooker pinto beans for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Pinto Beans
No, you absolutely do not have to soak the dried pinto beans before adding them to your slow cooker for this recipe. The beauty of slow cooking is that the beans have plenty of time to hydrate and soften during the long cooking process. While soaking is often recommended for stovetop cooking to reduce time and potentially improve digestibility, it’s completely unnecessary for these crockpot pinto beans. They will cook perfectly and absorb all the wonderful flavors without any pre-soaking hassle.
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a pressure cooker for significantly faster cooking, though the flavor development might be slightly different than with the longer slow cooker method. For dried pinto beans (unsoaked), generally, you would cook them on high pressure for about 25-35 minutes with a natural release, adjusting liquid amounts. Ensure the turkey tails are cut into smaller pieces if using. Always consult your specific pressure cooker’s manual and adjust liquid ratios accordingly, as pressure cooking can require less water.
Leftover pinto beans store beautifully! Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When reheating, a little extra water or broth might be needed to achieve your desired consistency, especially if they’ve thickened in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Absolutely! To make this slow cooker pinto beans recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the smoked turkey tails. To retain a smoky flavor, increase the amount of liquid smoke slightly, or add a generous teaspoon or two of smoked paprika or chipotle powder. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of water for the liquid, which will add more depth. You can also add some diced bell peppers or carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
The provided measurements offer a great starting point, but taste is subjective! Once the beans are cooked and the turkey is shredded, taste a spoonful. If you prefer more salt, add a pinch or two of seasoned salt. For a richer, deeper flavor, a dash more soy sauce can be added. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce would be excellent additions. Always adjust seasonings gradually until you reach your perfect flavor profile.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Flavorful Pinto Beans
These slow cooker pinto beans with their rich, smoky flavor and tender texture are incredibly versatile and can elevate almost any meal. Beyond being a standalone side dish, here are some delightful ways to serve them:
- Classic Side Dish: A perfect accompaniment at your next barbecue, potluck, or Sunday dinner. They pair beautifully with grilled chicken, smoked brisket, or oven-roasted pork.
- Hearty Soups and Chili: Stir them into your favorite chili recipe for added substance and flavor, or incorporate them into hearty vegetable or meat-based soups to create a more robust and satisfying meal.
- Creamy Refried Beans: Mash them up with a little reserved cooking liquid (or some chicken broth/butter) and a touch of cheese for homemade, creamy refried beans, perfect for any Mexican-inspired dish.
- Tacos and Burritos: Spoon generous amounts into soft tacos or warm burritos. The flavorful beans act as a fantastic base, adding moisture and savory depth.
- Loaded Nachos: Layer them over crispy tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings for an ultimate nacho experience.
- With Grilled Meats: They are an excellent complement to robust flavors like oven beef ribs, juicy steaks, or any grilled cuts, balancing the richness of the meat.
- Southern Comfort: Enjoy them in the traditional Southern style with a generous slice of sweet cornbread, perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices.
- Breakfast Burritos: Leftovers can be an amazing addition to breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs, cheese, and a dash of hot sauce.
- Rice Bowls: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a simple, satisfying, and complete meal. Add some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
- Quesadillas and Enchiladas: Use them as a filling or an accompaniment to cheese quesadillas or savory enchiladas for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes to Explore
If you love the ease and delicious results of slow cooking, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other fantastic crockpot recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, just like these pinto beans:
- Crockpot Lasagna: Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese cooked to perfection, a comforting classic made simpler in your slow cooker.
- Crockpot Beef Stew: Tender chunks of beef and hearty vegetables simmered in a savory broth, creating a deeply satisfying meal.
- Crockpot Roast Beef: Achieve fork-tender roast beef with minimal fuss, perfect for Sunday dinner or sandwiches.
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Succulent, shreddable pork cooked in a flavorful sauce, ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
- Crockpot Ground Beef Casserole: A hearty and satisfying casserole combining ground beef with comforting ingredients, all in one pot.
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Slow Cooker Pinto Beans
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces dried pinto beans
- 2 smoked turkey tails
- 1 Tablespoon seasoned salt divided, we use Lawry’s
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder divided
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder divided
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup liquid smoke
- 5 cups water
Things You’ll Need
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5-6 qt Crockpot
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Measuring cups and spoons
Before You Begin
- Tearing up the meat and stirring it into the beans will help distribute the smoke flavor from the turkey tails.
Instructions
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A note from Chef Antoine. I like to layer the beans and seasonings in the crockpot as I feel the flavor is distributed better. If you prefer, you can simply add the beans, sprinkle on the seasonings and top with the turkey tails. The steps below are my method.
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Place half of the uncooked dried beans in a crockpot.
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Season the beans with 1/2 of the seasoned salt, 1/2 of the onion powder, and 1/2 of the garlic powder.
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Place turkey tails on top of seasoned beans. Sprinkle some more (but not all) of the seasoned salt, onion powder, and garlic powder over the tails and beans.
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Add remaining beans and sprinkle on remaining seasonings.
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Combine water, soy sauce, and liquid smoke and pour over the tails and beans. You may need more water. You want the liquid to almost cover the tails, about 3/4 the way up the meat.
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Cover crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours.
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When done, you may need to skim some liquid off the top, depending on your preference for the amount of sauce.
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Using two forks, shred the tails and remove the bones. There will be a tailbone in each one.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.